Cambridge International AS & A Level Cambridge International AS & A Level
GEOGRAPHY 9696/11
GEOGRAPHY 9696/11
Paper 1 Core Physical Geography May/June 2026
Paper 1 Core Physical Geography May/June 2026
MARK SCHEME
1 hour 30 minutes
Maximum Mark: 60
You must answer on the enclosed answer booklet.
*
You will need: Answer booklet (enclosed)
Insert (enclosed) Published
INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer four questions in total:
Section A: answer all questions. This mark scheme contains the instructions and marking guidance that our examiners used to mark
candidate responses for this component.
Section B: answer one question.
*
● Follow the instructions on the front cover of the answer booklet. If you need additional answer paper, Before they start marking, examiners complete a standardisation process. They review a range of candidate
ask the invigilator for a continuation booklet. responses and discuss the mark scheme in detail to agree which answers can and cannot be accepted.
● Sketch maps and diagrams should be drawn whenever they serve to illustrate an answer. Examiners award marks where it is clear that candidate responses have met the requirements of the mark
scheme. These requirements may vary between different components or different versions of the same
component, depending on the exact requirements of the question and the candidate responses seen during
INFORMATION the standardisation process.
● The total mark for this paper is 60.
Sometimes, our mark schemes may allow marks to be awarded to responses which contain elements that
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].
are factually incorrect or for content not covered by the syllabus. We do this in response to the demands of a
● The insert contains all the resources referred to in the questions. specific question to support candidates and make sure that our assessments are fair. However, these
allowances should not be used as a guide for teaching and learning.
We cannot discuss the mark scheme with schools, and we recommend that schools read the mark scheme
together with the assessment material and the Principal Examiner Report for Teachers.
This document has 4 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.
DC (EV) 360632/2 This document consists of 19 printed pages.
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 [Turn over
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 [Turn over
, 9696/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2026
2 PUBLISHED
Section A General marking principles
Answer all questions in this section. All questions are worth 10 marks. All examiners must apply these marking principles when marking candidate responses.
Hydrology and fluvial geomorphology 1 Examiners must award marks for each response in line with:
1 Figure 1.1 shows the mean river discharge for Grey River / Māwheranui, New Zealand. • the specific content defined in the mark scheme
• the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the level descriptions
(a) Describe the pattern of mean river discharge shown in Figure 1.1. [4]
• the standard of response required as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
2 Examiners must award whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
(b) Suggest one reason for the pattern of mean river discharge shown in Figure 1.1. [2]
3 Examiners must award marks positively. This means that:
Explain why the discharge of a river changes over time. [4] • marks are not deducted for errors or omissions
• marks are awarded for correct/valid answers as defined in the mark scheme and also for
other valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme
referring to your team leader as appropriate
Atmosphere and weather • the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar are judged only when the mark scheme
indicates that these features are specifically assessed in the question. However, the
2 Figure 2.1 is a photograph which shows a weather phenomenon. meaning of all responses must be unambiguous.
(a) State the type of weather phenomenon shown in Figure 2.1. [1] 4 Examiners must consistently apply the requirements of the mark scheme and any rules for
what to do when candidates have not followed instructions correctly.
(b) Suggest how the weather phenomenon shown in Figure 2.1 was formed. [4] 5 Examiners must use the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme, unless limited by
the quality of the candidate responses seen.
Explain how the albedo of different land surfaces may affect the diurnal energy budget of 6 Examiners must award marks according to the mark scheme and must not award marks with
an area. [5] grade thresholds or grade descriptions in mind.
Rocks and weathering
3 Figure 3.1 shows a diagram of mass movement.
(a) (i) State the type of mass movement shown in Figure 3.1. [1]
(ii) State two pieces of evidence that mass movement has occurred in Figure 3.1. [2]
(b) Using Figure 3.1, suggest reasons for the mass movement. [3]
Explain how rock structure influences mass movement. [4]
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 9696/11/M/J/26
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 Page 2 of 19
, 9696/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2026
3 PUBLISHED
Section B Annotations guidance for centres
Answer one question from this section. All questions are worth 30 marks. Examiners use a system of annotations as a shorthand for communicating their marking decisions to
one another. Examiners are trained during the standardisation process on how and when to use
Hydrology and fluvial geomorphology annotations. The purpose of annotations is to inform the standardisation and monitoring processes
and guide the supervising examiners when they are checking the work of examiners within their team.
4 (a) (i) Describe the process of transportation in a river channel. [3] The meaning of annotations and how they are used is specific to each component and is understood
by all examiners who mark the component.
(ii) Explain the formation of a meander. [4]
We publish annotations in our mark schemes to help centres understand the annotations they may
see on copies of scripts. Note that there may not be a direct correlation between the number of
(b) Explain how drainage basin characteristics can influence a storm hydrograph. [8] annotations on a script and the mark awarded. Similarly, the use of an annotation may not be an
indication of the quality of the response.
With the aid of examples, assess the view that physical factors are more important than The annotations listed below were available to examiners marking this component in this series.
human factors in causing a river to flood. [15]
Annotations
Annotation Meaning Use
Atmosphere and weather
Correct point Point-marked questions only:
5 (a) (i) Define the atmospheric terms ‘convection’ and ‘humidity’. [4] Section A, Section B part (a)
(ii) Briefly explain latent heat transfer. [3] Incorrect Point-marked questions only:
Section A, Section B part (a)
(b) Describe and explain how global temperatures are influenced by latitude. [8] Level 4 Levels-marked questions only:
Section B part
Level 3 Levels-marked questions only:
‘Increasing temperature is the most significant atmospheric impact of global warming.’ Section B parts (b) and
With the aid of examples, how far do you agree with this statement? [15] Level 2 Levels-marked questions only:
Section B parts (b) and
Level 1 Levels-marked questions only:
Rocks and weathering Section B parts (b) and
6 (a) (i) Define the terms ‘rainsplash’ and ‘sheetwash’. [4] Level 0 – No creditable response Levels-marked questions only:
Section B parts (b) and
(ii) Briefly explain how grading can reduce mass movement on a slope. [3]
Highlighter Creditworthy part of an extended Levels-marked questions only:
response Section B parts (b) and
(b) Explain the processes and landforms that occur at convergent (destructive)
plate boundaries. [8] Evaluative point Levels-marked questions only:
Section B part
Omission or further development/ All questions
With the aid of examples, assess the extent to which temperature is more significant than
detail needed to gain credit
rainfall in affecting the type and rate of weathering in an area. [15]
Unclear or validity is doubted All questions
Developed point All questions
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 9696/11/M/J/26
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 Page 3 of 19
GEOGRAPHY 9696/11
GEOGRAPHY 9696/11
Paper 1 Core Physical Geography May/June 2026
Paper 1 Core Physical Geography May/June 2026
MARK SCHEME
1 hour 30 minutes
Maximum Mark: 60
You must answer on the enclosed answer booklet.
*
You will need: Answer booklet (enclosed)
Insert (enclosed) Published
INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer four questions in total:
Section A: answer all questions. This mark scheme contains the instructions and marking guidance that our examiners used to mark
candidate responses for this component.
Section B: answer one question.
*
● Follow the instructions on the front cover of the answer booklet. If you need additional answer paper, Before they start marking, examiners complete a standardisation process. They review a range of candidate
ask the invigilator for a continuation booklet. responses and discuss the mark scheme in detail to agree which answers can and cannot be accepted.
● Sketch maps and diagrams should be drawn whenever they serve to illustrate an answer. Examiners award marks where it is clear that candidate responses have met the requirements of the mark
scheme. These requirements may vary between different components or different versions of the same
component, depending on the exact requirements of the question and the candidate responses seen during
INFORMATION the standardisation process.
● The total mark for this paper is 60.
Sometimes, our mark schemes may allow marks to be awarded to responses which contain elements that
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].
are factually incorrect or for content not covered by the syllabus. We do this in response to the demands of a
● The insert contains all the resources referred to in the questions. specific question to support candidates and make sure that our assessments are fair. However, these
allowances should not be used as a guide for teaching and learning.
We cannot discuss the mark scheme with schools, and we recommend that schools read the mark scheme
together with the assessment material and the Principal Examiner Report for Teachers.
This document has 4 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.
DC (EV) 360632/2 This document consists of 19 printed pages.
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 [Turn over
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 [Turn over
, 9696/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2026
2 PUBLISHED
Section A General marking principles
Answer all questions in this section. All questions are worth 10 marks. All examiners must apply these marking principles when marking candidate responses.
Hydrology and fluvial geomorphology 1 Examiners must award marks for each response in line with:
1 Figure 1.1 shows the mean river discharge for Grey River / Māwheranui, New Zealand. • the specific content defined in the mark scheme
• the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the level descriptions
(a) Describe the pattern of mean river discharge shown in Figure 1.1. [4]
• the standard of response required as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
2 Examiners must award whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
(b) Suggest one reason for the pattern of mean river discharge shown in Figure 1.1. [2]
3 Examiners must award marks positively. This means that:
Explain why the discharge of a river changes over time. [4] • marks are not deducted for errors or omissions
• marks are awarded for correct/valid answers as defined in the mark scheme and also for
other valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme
referring to your team leader as appropriate
Atmosphere and weather • the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar are judged only when the mark scheme
indicates that these features are specifically assessed in the question. However, the
2 Figure 2.1 is a photograph which shows a weather phenomenon. meaning of all responses must be unambiguous.
(a) State the type of weather phenomenon shown in Figure 2.1. [1] 4 Examiners must consistently apply the requirements of the mark scheme and any rules for
what to do when candidates have not followed instructions correctly.
(b) Suggest how the weather phenomenon shown in Figure 2.1 was formed. [4] 5 Examiners must use the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme, unless limited by
the quality of the candidate responses seen.
Explain how the albedo of different land surfaces may affect the diurnal energy budget of 6 Examiners must award marks according to the mark scheme and must not award marks with
an area. [5] grade thresholds or grade descriptions in mind.
Rocks and weathering
3 Figure 3.1 shows a diagram of mass movement.
(a) (i) State the type of mass movement shown in Figure 3.1. [1]
(ii) State two pieces of evidence that mass movement has occurred in Figure 3.1. [2]
(b) Using Figure 3.1, suggest reasons for the mass movement. [3]
Explain how rock structure influences mass movement. [4]
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 9696/11/M/J/26
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 Page 2 of 19
, 9696/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2026
3 PUBLISHED
Section B Annotations guidance for centres
Answer one question from this section. All questions are worth 30 marks. Examiners use a system of annotations as a shorthand for communicating their marking decisions to
one another. Examiners are trained during the standardisation process on how and when to use
Hydrology and fluvial geomorphology annotations. The purpose of annotations is to inform the standardisation and monitoring processes
and guide the supervising examiners when they are checking the work of examiners within their team.
4 (a) (i) Describe the process of transportation in a river channel. [3] The meaning of annotations and how they are used is specific to each component and is understood
by all examiners who mark the component.
(ii) Explain the formation of a meander. [4]
We publish annotations in our mark schemes to help centres understand the annotations they may
see on copies of scripts. Note that there may not be a direct correlation between the number of
(b) Explain how drainage basin characteristics can influence a storm hydrograph. [8] annotations on a script and the mark awarded. Similarly, the use of an annotation may not be an
indication of the quality of the response.
With the aid of examples, assess the view that physical factors are more important than The annotations listed below were available to examiners marking this component in this series.
human factors in causing a river to flood. [15]
Annotations
Annotation Meaning Use
Atmosphere and weather
Correct point Point-marked questions only:
5 (a) (i) Define the atmospheric terms ‘convection’ and ‘humidity’. [4] Section A, Section B part (a)
(ii) Briefly explain latent heat transfer. [3] Incorrect Point-marked questions only:
Section A, Section B part (a)
(b) Describe and explain how global temperatures are influenced by latitude. [8] Level 4 Levels-marked questions only:
Section B part
Level 3 Levels-marked questions only:
‘Increasing temperature is the most significant atmospheric impact of global warming.’ Section B parts (b) and
With the aid of examples, how far do you agree with this statement? [15] Level 2 Levels-marked questions only:
Section B parts (b) and
Level 1 Levels-marked questions only:
Rocks and weathering Section B parts (b) and
6 (a) (i) Define the terms ‘rainsplash’ and ‘sheetwash’. [4] Level 0 – No creditable response Levels-marked questions only:
Section B parts (b) and
(ii) Briefly explain how grading can reduce mass movement on a slope. [3]
Highlighter Creditworthy part of an extended Levels-marked questions only:
response Section B parts (b) and
(b) Explain the processes and landforms that occur at convergent (destructive)
plate boundaries. [8] Evaluative point Levels-marked questions only:
Section B part
Omission or further development/ All questions
With the aid of examples, assess the extent to which temperature is more significant than
detail needed to gain credit
rainfall in affecting the type and rate of weathering in an area. [15]
Unclear or validity is doubted All questions
Developed point All questions
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 9696/11/M/J/26
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 Page 3 of 19
